Sharman in for finals run says Cats coach

The return of veteran full forward Gregg Sharman is no one-game gimmick according to Wynyard coach Daniel Franks ahead of Saturday’s vital clash with Ulverstone.

Missing piece: Wynyard coach Daniel Franks believes Gregg Sharman can play a key role in his side's NWFL finals campaign.

With the fight for finishing positions on in earnest, the Cats have brought the 39-year-old former leading goalkicker out of retirement, with Franks adamant that he can boost the team’s fortunes heading into their finals campaign.

“Our intent is to have Gregg for the rest of the season because we think he has role he can play with us,” Franks said.

“It probably wasn’t initially on the radar at the start of the season, but his body is in great condition and he feels it’s the fittest he has been for a number of years.

“He started to get a bit of a taste for it with a few games in the reserves, he’s got a bit of continuity with his body and it’s pretty clear now that he is in our best side.”

Franks also believes the return of Sharman can help take the pressure off teenage forward Tane Routledge, who has kicked 24 goals in his 10 games so far this season.

“It will take a bit of the load of Tane, who’s only 16 and been playing full forward for us,” Franks said.

“It’s a big ask to keep doing that in finals, and having Gregg’s voice gives us a boost in how organised we are down there as well.”

Sharman will have his work cut out for him on his return, coming up against a Robins team that contains quality tall defenders such as Klay Griffiths, John Holland and Ryan Wing.

“Gregg’s coming up against one of the leagues best defences but we’re confident he can do what we need him to do – we wouldn’t have him in there otherwise,” Franks said.

Both teams are coming off losses last week, with the Cats keen to atone for a horrid outing against Latrobe, while the Robins will be out to celebrate Luke Dyson’s 150th game in style after poor kicking hurt them against Burnie.

Nathan Russell and James King with the special jumpers Penguin will wear to help raise awareness and funds for Huntington’s Disease Tasmania. Picture: Supplied

At Pirtek Oval, Penguin will be wearing a special jumper for its game with Latrobe, incorporating the colours pink, green and white into its regular strip to raise awareness and funds for Huntington’s Disease Tasmania.

For every saveloy sold on the day, $1 will be donated to the cause, with Wynyard, Devonport and East Devonport also donning alternative jumpers

While the Two Blues can mathematically still make finals, they will have a tough time trying to overcome a Demons outfit that impressed last round and will be running out for co-captain Kurt Hanson’s 100th game.

Patrons are reminded that this game has a later start of 2.20pm.

At Girdlestone Park, Circular Head can shore up its spot in the top five if it overcomes East Devonport, however the Swans will be hungry for success ahead of its last home game for the season.